Sunday, July 13, 2008

The 2008/09 Juventus side will be like a “solid chameleon”, Claudio Ranieri had predicted a few days ago. There's a player in the squad to whom this definition seems to fit particularly well, more than anybody else, and that’s Hasan Salihamidzic. Nobody can change skin and role, while still playing at a high standard, like “Brazzo” does.

Exactly one year after he arrived in Turin, the Bosnian is more than aver a favourite with the fans, but also a leader in the locker room. And now, with the events that count getting closer – the Champions League preliminaries first and foremost ("They're vital, we want to get through") – he explained his recipe for success: "The group is our strength. You don't win anything without a cohesive group".

The group is working hard in Pinzolo now and, while they wait to be at full ranks with the arrival of the last players who took part in Euro 2008 and the final transfer market signings, they have set their first vital objective. August means Champions League preliminary rounds. "We all know how hard they are – Brazzo confessed – I played them just once when I was at Bayern and we struggled, and I know how much Juventus risked going out four years ago against Djurgardens. We want to win those two games, regardless of who our opponents will be".

All the Bianconeri mention the Champions League when interviewed. They have sacrificed too much in the last two years to risk underestimating the challenge. But success in Europe isn't the only objective. "We're Juve and so we have to set our aims on winning everything – Salihamidzic continued -. We already know it'll be tough in the League, as it is every year, and every match can be potentially insidious. But we're ready to face all competitions".

Brazzo Salihamidzic throws the gauntlet from the Pinzolo training camp and he gives full marks to the new Juventus side. "Our strength lies in the group; you don't win anything without having a cohesive group. I really like this year's squad of players and that's why we could go very far. Plus we've increased our quality, especially thanks to Amauri, who's really an extraordinary player and he's given us what we were perhaps lacking".

The Bosnian is still one of the men Ranieri will rely on the most; after the excellent things he did in his first year he wants to consolidate himself in the team. The main “solid chameleon” prototype player is pumped and ready for action: "I play where the Manager tells me to, I don't have any preference. By now I can adapt with anybody who plays beside me. Goals? I'd be happy if I scored as many as last year, but the main thing for me is helping my team mates".